Pupils in Tour de France stage challenge

Long Marston Primary pupil Lucy Butterworth takes part in the Tour cycling challenge.

It’s not just Marcel Kittel that has celebrated a fantastic cycling achievement this week.

Children from Long Marston Primary School and Preschool donned scooters and cycles to travel the 190km of the first stage of the Tour de France as part of a two-wheel relay challenge, raising in excess of £500.

Long Marston School pupil Oliver Wilson Close, 5, cycles around the Tour course.

Tots as young as two years took part in the challenge, cycling an impressive 754 laps around Long Marston’s Butt Hedge Cul-De-Sac in a time of just 1.5 hours.

The achievement gives hope for a new generation of cycling stars in the ilk of Lizzie Armistead and Chris Froome, with the enjoyment of the event so great that many pupils went over and beyond their given distance, showing true team spirit by running circuits with their buddy and teaming up to count laps.

With the bunting decorating the green and local residents sporting yellow t-shirts and flying flags, the spirit of Le Tour was very much present in ‘le petit village’ between Harrogate and York.

Kirsty Wilson Close, proud mum of competitors George (8), Olly (5) and Tom (4) said: “The children smiled all the way round.

“It was one of the best events they have been involved in. They were so excited to be a part of the Tour de France in Yorkshire and all had real determination to finish their laps.

“It was a great example of community spirit and everyone got involved from ex- pupils to staff members and local residents and the event certainly kicked off what was a memorable weekend for the children and Yorkshire as a whole.”

The funds raised from the event will be used to enhance the school’s wildlife area for outdoor learning to take place and provide new outside toys such as space hoppers, skipping ropes and hula hoops to its parent-led preschool and playgroup.